Depeche Mode Hublot Big Bang First Images watch

Click on them to expand, then click again to supersize!
Some time ago a strange box appeared on the Depeche Mode and Hublot websites which, in countdown style, announced the imminent unveiling of a series of twelve one-of-a-kind Hublot Big Bang/Depeche Mode watches – each one representing one of the twelve albums with an image of the cover art portrayed in a strip across the otherwise black face of the watch – and, as is typical of effervescent Hublot boss, Jean-Claude Biver and the members of the band, the two globally recognized names will collaborate – in the case of the band, to carry out the opening proceedings in London’s Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust with a one-off gig on February 17th, and Hublot in putting the twelve pieces up for exclusive auction to raise funds for the charity.

Hublot big bang Aero Bang FMM limited edition of 250 pieces

This is the second tribute piece released in this sporting partnership, the first in 2007 was a fairly tame affair compared to the latest boldly styled piece which features strong use of the green and red Mexican team colours on the openworked dial and hands.Other football-themed releases by Hublot include pieces forManchester United, the Swiss National team and a recent tribute to Diego Maradona.  A few weeks ago Hublot became the first official timekeeper in the history of the FIFA World Cup, perhaps marketing strategists at Omega etc also deserve a Big Bang….on the ear, for letting that one slip by.The Big Bang, signature collection of the Hublot brand is quite simply a fine example of the perfect horological business model – one product (-ish) with infinite possibilities for limited edition versions, all credit to Hublot’s enigmatic CEO Jean-Claude Biver, a master in global product placement.
A new edition, the Hublot Aero Bang FMM, a collaboration with the Mexican Football Federation (FMM) has just been unveiled and will be a limited edition of 250 pieces.  

Benarus Megalodon 4 Titanium Review watch

The Megalodon, perhaps unsurprisingly, is unlike any other watch I’ve ever worn. With the Megalodon 4 on wrist or simply in my hands, I am unable to see anything other than its almost ridiculous size.

49mm wide at the bezel and nearly 20 mm thick, it is a large watch by any comparison and you had better prefer rolling up your sleeves as the Megalodon 4 will not fit under any standard cuff.

That said, if you close your eyes or simply go on with your day, you’ll soon forget just how large the Megalodon is as its “visual weight” is not at all a strong indication of how it wears once strapped to your wrist.

I don’t generally care for large watches. Much over 44 mm and I usually don’t even pay attention, which is why I largely ignored the first three iterations of the Benarus Megalodon.

Regardless of my general indifference, the Megalodon has been soldiering on as a very successful, low production model aimed at buyers who are interested in a large watch which packs considerable wrist-presence without costing too dearly.

Now in its fourth generation, the Megalodon 4 is the product of careful evolution, adding polish to its proven formula of offering a large case, distinctive prehistoric styling and as much luminous paint as can be applied to any single watch.

Given the previous success of this line and some general curiosity as to how well a watch this large can actually wear, we were happy to experience a Megalodon first hand when Benarus offered one for review.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Divers

In contrast to the Pelagos, the lovely-looking Tudor Heritage Black Bay incorporates a gilt dial and handset while offering a 41 mm stainless steel case, domed sapphire crystal and 200m water resistance.

 Both of these divers offer a glimpse into two different sides of Tudor, a company that has the unfavorable position of having to continually prove its relevance and find its groove while often seeing much of the spotlight go to Rolex.

Just like the Pelagos, the Black Bay is powered by an ETA 2824 but can be had with either a bracelet or an aged leather strap. Pricing is rumored to be in the range of 5000 CHF (~$5450 USD) which is rather expensive for an ETA 2824 based dive watch.

Basel 2012 officially opens today but we are already getting some exciting announcements from the show floor.

Yesterday, Tudor (sibling brand of Rolex) announced the new Pelagos and Heritage Black Bay divers. The titanium-cased Pelagos looks amazing as it features a snow-flake hour hand (a nod to Tudor’s past), is completely satin finished (Rolex got all the bling in this family) and the Pelagos shows its Submariner roots without simply being an ETA powered Rolex clone.

The Heritage Black Bay is a continuation of the successful Heritage line which Tudor launched in 2010. This new 41 mm diver is a modern look at a nearly fifty year old design from Rolex and Tudor.